Havin Obrien 
There’s an old school bar in Bangor, Maine, that has a dog mural on a wall that many have wondered about for decades, including the bar’s owners. Where did the original version of it come from? They didn’t know. Why leave such a retro monstrosity on the wall? Because they love it. The ten-foot mural … Read more
Most dogs, when they chase a cat up a tree, leave it at that. Some walk away, deeming their mission accomplished. Some might skulk away, feeling, or so we’d guess, outwitted. And some might stand sentry at the base of the tree, waiting hours for the cat to come down. But once in a rare while, … Read more
Previously available only on the Internet, the Potty Patch — basically a porous slab of artificial grass situated atop a drainage tray — will now be available at PetCo, one of the nation’s largest pet retailers, and will be sold under the American Kennel Club name. Eagle Eye Marketing, makers of the indoor doggie restroom, announced … Read more
The techniques matchmaking services use to help humans meet their mates are increasingly being used by animal shelters, and for pretty much the same reason — in hopes of ensuring lasting bonds. The ASPCA’s “Meet Your Match” program has been adopted by at least 200 shelters across the country since it was created in 2000, including at the The … Read more
Daddy, a pit bull who was Cesar Millan’s longtime friend and partner in canine rehabilitation, died peacefully Friday at the age of 16. Millan, his family, friends, staff and volunteers were mourning the death of a dog described by “The Dog Whisperer” as “one of the most loyal, trusting, well-balanced, and influential pit bull ambassadors … Read more
A brand of chicken dog treat most commonly sold at dollar stores is being recalled by the manufacturer due to possible Salmonella contamination. According to the FDA, Salix Animal Health has expanded its earlier recall of Good ‘n’ Fun Beefhide Chicken Sticks. The initial recall pertained only to the lot in which Salmonella was discovered during … Read more
As an investigation continues into the apparent poisoning death of an Irish setter who competed at Crufts, and reports surface of up to six more poisonings, one of the human contestants has come under fire for picking up her Scottish terrier by the tail during judging at the world’s largest dog show. U.S. contestant Rebecca Cross, owner … Read more
Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley and family have put down Lady, the golden retriever they took in 10 years ago, when O’Malley was mayor of Baltimore. Lady, who had been on medication for the past three years for a bad hip, was recently diagnosed with cancer, at 13. The governor took the dog to a vet last … Read more
Dr. Phil’s not one of my favorites — nor are most of the others who appeared on his show yesterday — but at least the program brought the scourge of dogfighting to the afternoon TV talk show forefront. In addition to Rescue Ink and Paris Hilton, the show featured Rob Rogers, former leader of a … Read more